Burgstelle Bol

The Burgstelle Bol is the remains of a hilltop castle near Dettingen unter Teck in the Esslingen district. It stands on a narrow ridge called the Käppele, 415 metres above sea level. The site was first mentioned in 1275 and was built by the knights of Bol. Their family name lived on in Adelheid von Bol, recorded in 1378. The castle was later held by the Teck ministeriales before being destroyed in the 14th century. The ring-shaped ruins cover a circle about 20 metres wide. A ditch, rampart and cellar hollow still mark the spot. The layout shows it was once a motte-and-bailey castle. The site is open to walkers and offers quiet views over the surrounding countryside. The ridge drops steeply on three sides, giving the place a natural defence. Visitors reach the Burgstelle Bol by following a path from Dettingen unter Teck. The climb is short but steep, leading to the flat summit where the castle once stood. There are no buildings left, only grassy mounds and the remains of the old walls. The site is little known, so it is often peaceful. From the edge of the ridge the land falls away sharply, giving a sense of the castle’s old position.